Since then he has been bombarded with congratulations from football fans via social media. Mr King’s daughter, Zena, also sent a photo of her father sitting up smiling in his Blackpool Victoria Hospital bed. And on Monday afternoon he had a telephone conversation with Mr King as well.

Modest Mat, of The Slade, Clophill, added: “It’s just something that you do. I wasn’t expecting all this attention.”

And his message for Mr King? “Get well soon, and have a good Christmas.”

Luton Town Football Club has paid tribute to his actions. The club tweeted: “Well done...a true Hatters hero on a day full of them. We hope the person involved is well and makes a full recovery.”